Did my Lens just Become more Valuable?

[MDJAK]

Last week, as most of you know, I purchased the 85mm F1.2L at B&H. They had the new one on display to try, and try I did, and didn't notice much, if any, difference in focus speed, though according to Canon the new one is 1.8 times faster.

Well, not having it in stock left me no choice (as I wasn't about to wait) but to get the original 85, we'll call it Mark I.

Having visited B&H's website during the week, I saw they have the new 85mm F1.2 II in stock, and the original was out of stock.

Today, I can't find the original on their website at all. Has the monetary value of mine increased or decreased?

Should I trade it in tomorrow for the newer one?

mark

[CorruptedPhotographer]

Why? Are you happy with the lens? Its not an investment, its a tool/toy. Buyin stock is an investment. You buy lenses to use/play.

[MDJAK]

Well, haven't had it long enough to know it's potential. I realize it's not an investment, per se, like stock. However, these are not trivial or cheap items and whether or not they maintain their value has been discussed here many times. In fact, a lot of people seem to be able to sell their L lenses for close to what they originally paid.

As an example, a friend of mine has a Corvette, 15 or so years old, mint condition, low mileage. Once they came out with the new body style, any resale value his had went right down the tubes.

Another example: I'm interested in trading my car for the Acura MDX. Salesman tells me to wait, at the new 2007 which will be out in a few months or less is completely redesigned.

So, do I get the new one? I read the specs and besides the 1.8 times faster focus, seems to have new coatings on it to reduce flare, etc. May be advertizing hype, don't know.

mark

[CorruptedPhotographer]

Again Mark, play with the lens. If you are satisfied,then keep it,if not switch it.

[Samiad]

I did like the comment "as most of you know, I purchased the 85mm F1.2L at B&H.".

I didn't know :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

It's only worth about $750.00 now... and still dropping in value quickly!

Sell it to me NOW before you lose even more ;)

[OceanView]

If you are considering selling, I will take it off your hands at the going used market price.
PM me.

[Lord_Malone]

I'm perfectly happy with my Mark I. ;)

[chancellor]

It's only worth about $750.00 now... and still dropping in value quickly!

Sell it to me NOW before you lose even more ;)

MDJAK, don't believe CDS. It's a lot more than that. I would say $825, perhaps even $850. Sell it to me not that person who's trying to cheat you out of $100.

PS CDS, keep it cool and you have a $50 out of this deal.

:D

[S Taylor]

If you use it and are happy with the results, then why worry? I love my 85, and I don't even have the old 1.2.

Perhaps we should trade, to see if you like the 1.8 better. :lol:

[nadtz]

i've been kind of hunting around as the 35L and 85L are on my dream list, most of the comparisons i've seen have been along the lines of http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.2-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

dunno if that helps but there ya go.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Isn't the Mark I like 1500, retail? I've seen them selling for like a grand, and it's got me wondering. It's about the last lens on my list, but still.

[peterdoomen]

Now I understand the "rat" comment at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=166970

:D

I hesitated to buy the mk II because €450 is a lot of money... could have bought this new Tamron (17-50 f/2.8) for it, probably. I think the "resale price" consideration was what did it for me. Usually, these L's keep their value extremely well, but in this case, I'm not so sure.

Not that I think of selling it, but you never know. Maybe you don't like the focal length, or you find it's too heavy. Or you begin to develop an interest in, say, macro photography... Or you simply need the money.

P.

[Double Negative]

Considering that the Mark II isn't *that* much better than the Mark I - and considerably more expensive... I'd say you got the better deal. Hold onto it, it's a keeper and a gem.